Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C Virus (HCV): U.S. Nigerian immigrant awareness, knowledge, and attitude

Over 300 million people live with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and over 170 million live with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria has over 21 million people living with HBV and/or HCV. Yet, most Nigerian people living with hepatitis are unaware that they have the disease. U.S. Nigerian immigrants are at high risk for HBV and HCV because they originate from Nigeria, which has an increased number of HBV and HCV infections.

This study examined the knowledge, perception, and attitude of Nigerian immigrants living in the US towards HBV and HCV infections to create awareness of the disease for Nigerians in general. A quantitative survey was conducted using survey monkey questionnaires. Fisher exact tests were performed to compare the perceptions of HBV and HCV infections, infection behaviors, the perceptions of Western and traditional medicine use among Nigerians, and educational awareness of the disease. IBM® SPSS® statistical software was used to analyze the data. A total of 132 participants responded to the survey. Statistically significant interactions were found in the perception of HBV and HCV infections, educational awareness of HBV and HCV infections, infection behaviors between Nigerian men and women, use of western and traditional medicine, and Nigerians’ education level. Perceptions of HBV and HCV infections between age, marital status, and socioeconomic status of Nigerian immigrants were equally significant. Keywords: hepatitis, Nigeria, Fisher exact tests, HBV, HCV

COVID -19 INITIATIVE

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to increase in number, more and more people are lacking in their basic needs being met. Here at GHEEN Inc. we recognize the problem of local people in the state of Maryland not having enough food to eat. Since recognizing the problem we are working towards being apart of the solution and we hope that you can join us!

Please Join GHEEN INC. in our efforts to partner with local food markets to donate food in order to meet vulnerable people in the state of Maryland. We will be providing food service to hospitals, shelters, local neighborhoods and the needy.

Women's Health Empowerment Network (WHEN)

At GHEEN, we are passionate about empowering rural women by enabling them to thrive financially through entrepreneurship and trade in order to support their families. Of utmost importance to our organization is the idea that mothers play a vital role in advocating for their children to obtain education.

The founder was trained by her widowed mother who through petty trading , helped sponsor her secondary (high school) and university education. Presently, about 100 wòmen have utilized the funds in their business.

The women group formed a musical and dancing troupe that performs and compete at various events to continue to raise funds for the organization. Kind donation towards this program will help continuation of the program.

Health Fair/Symposium

Here at GHEEN, we believe that prevention (primary, secondary and tertiary levels) is better than cure. As such, we recruit healthcare professionals and volunteers to help promote health and wellness in our local and international communities.

Our organization has conducted health fairs & symposia in the DC/MD/VA tristate area and Nigeria. We have also collaborated with faith-based organizations in providing resources and raising awareness about various health conditions. Some of the major diseases addressed are prevention and management of hypertention, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and viral hepatitis B/C. Healthy eating, exercise and abstinence were also addressed.

Homeless & Prison Outreach:

Volunteer and donation of food items to homeless center

Provide counseling for youths and young adult to prevent falling into traps of criminality

Provide prosocial behavior management and substance abuse intervention